In South Africa, EMMAUS C.O.R.D.I.S. is committed to helping vulnerable people

C.O.R.D.I.S. collaborates with several local organisations (Advice Office, SANIR, Itsoseng Women’s Project) to provide legal assistance, temporary accommodation and administrative support to families. Of these, SANIR works with refugees and asylum seekers; it also helps people who come to South Africa to find accommodation while trying to understand what they need to do when they find themselves in a new environment.

Beron Molantoa, head of the C.O.R.D.I.S. group, explains: “The idea is also to help migrants who wish to obtain papers that allow them to work in South Africa and escape the misery and difficulties of migration. It’s not always easy. Human rights laws can help us to make progress in this area.”

South Africa has ratified the 1951 Geneva Convention and has a legal framework in place to protect refugees and asylum seekers. In reality, however, there are few reception or support centres, and many migrants live in precarious conditions or prolonged illegality.

On 21 March, International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, C.O.R.D.I.S. paid tribute to the victims of the 1960 Sharpeville massacre, in which 69 protesters were killed while peacefully opposing apartheid laws. This episode of police repression sparked riots across the country and sent shockwaves around the world, leading to the creation of this international day. This year, the group organised a commemorative event in front of the memorial to highlight the importance of fighting against all forms of discrimination and racism.

The day was spent alongside local solidarity associations, delegates from the various Emmaus Africa nations and the president of Emmaus International. “Today, it is very important to know about our history and to pass it on, to show what has changed since apartheid,” said Beron Molantoa. This was an opportunity to highlight the importance of remembrance and vigilance in a context marked by restrictions on international migration rights. The Emmaus C.O.R.D.I.S group, faithful to the values of the Movement, campaigns against unequal policies and discrimination and continues to explore solutions for integration through solidarity and activity.